Pakistan - February 21

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hailed the inaugural counter-terrorism force (CTF) graduates from Quetta's counter-terrorism training academy this weekend, with 200 commandos, 18 of them women, graduating from the academy after a 30 day training. The ceremony, which celebrated the end of the Army's 30 day training session, included mock exercises demonstrating the new skills. The training force is part of a renewed effort to combat terrorism in Pakistan.